Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Game #83- Toronto Blue Jays (45-38) @ Oakland A's (28-56) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette knocked one out of the park in the 8th for the game winning run as the Blue Jays came from behind to edge the A's 2-1 to avoid the series sweep and snap the 5-game skid

After dropping their 5th straight game after another subpar performance by Yusei Kikuchi, who walked 5 batters and hit 2 others as he continues to struggle with fastball command, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 5-game skid and avoid being swept for the second time this season. Righty Shaun Anderson was DFA'd and righty Matt Peacock was claimed off waivers from the Royals. Trent Thornton was optioned to AAA-ball and righty Casey Lawrence was recalled in his place. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after the partial day off yesterday (he entered the game in the 6th inning). Lourdes GurrielJr. was back in the field after the full day off yesterday. George Springer got the full day off today with Raimel Tapia in CF. Teo got the half day off as DH with Cavan Biggio in RF. Could the Blue Jays stop the 5-game losing streak and avoid the series sweep? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

  • The A's opened the scoring in the bottom of the 6th as Roman Laureano hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
  • The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 7th as Matt Chapman smashed a solo blast to left-center 
  • James Kaprielian pitching line: 6IP 5H 1R (earned) 4BB 1K 94 pitches (56 for strikes)
  • Jose Berrios pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 87 pitches (68 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 8th as Bo Bichette smacked a solo jack to left
  • Jordan Romano threw a perfect 9th for his 18th save of the season.
  • Final score: Blue Jays 2 A's 1

My Take:

  • The good Jose Berrios showed up today and provided the Blue Jays with 6 strong, much-needed innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. Almost as inconsistent as yesterday's starter Yusei Kikuchi, Berrios has put a few more grey hairs on Pete Walker's head. He can be good, as he was today, and very bad, as he was ten days ago wen he couldn't get out of the 3rd inning. The Blue Jays need more starts like today from Berrios 
  • Adam Cimber is making a strong case for reliever of the year. He was credited with his 8th victory today and has been one of  the Blue Jays most reliable relievers. The sidewinder has a good shot at the record of most wins in a season, held by Roy Face, who won 18 in 1959.
  • Matt Chapman hurt his former team for the second straight day, this time tying the game with a no-doubter to left-center. Bo Bichette gave the Blue Jays the lead an inning later as the offence did just enough to lead the Blue Jays to victory
  • Every Blue Jays starter except Raimel Tapia and Cavan Biggio had at least one hit.
  • Up next, the Blue Jays head north to open a 4-game series against the Mariners. The Blue Jays took 2 of 3 from the Mariners back in Toronto May 16-18 and outscored Seattle 10-7. Kevin Gausman is supposed to start tomorrow night, but that is very much in doubt as he recovers from taking a comebacker off the ankle last start. The Mariners will counter with lefty Marco Gonzalez.